According to the lawsuit, Donaldson spent $2,000 at coffee shops, $4,500 at the cosmetics store Molton Brown, $2,800 at the paper shop Paper Tiger, and $2,000 at the luxury candle chain Jo Malone. (Rowling herself is a fan of the candle brand.)

Rowling also says in the lawsuit that Donaldson stole nearly $1,600 to pay for two cats.

Rowling in 2007. AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth

The lawsuit accuses Donaldson of pilfering "Harry Potter" memorabilia as well, saying she stole a motorized Hogwarts Express train and a wand collection worth $3,000, as well as a rare "Tales of Beedle the Bard" set.

Rowling fired Donaldson in 2017 after her husband, Neil Murray, discovered discrepancies in her monthly spending statements. But it wasn't until now that she initiated a lawsuit.

"I can confirm J.K. Rowling has taken legal action against her former personal assistant, Amanda Donaldson, following her dismissal for gross misconduct involving a substantial breach of trust," a Rowling spokesperson told the BBC. "As the case is not yet concluded, we are not able to comment further, and there won't be any comment from J.K. Rowling."

Donaldson denied the accusations, according to the BBC, saying Rowling has "not suffered any loss and is not entitled to damages."